World Cup: Rayan reveals that he doesn't know the Japan team
Rayan drew attention when he admitted, in a press conference this Friday (26), that he doesn't know the Japan team, Brazil's next opponents in the World Cup, well. The 19-year-old player's statement had repercussions and generated debate among commentators about the Brazilian team's preparation for the clash.
When asked about Japan's strengths and weaknesses, Rayan answered sincerely: "To tell you that I don't know who their most dangerous player is, no. Just by looking at the video. But I know it's a very qualified team, a very strong team. We know that we will work during the week to do our best and come out with victory."
Commentators evaluate the statement
For Cris Schwambach, the response left something to be desired from a communication point of view. "Rayan didn't respond very well," he said, considering, however, that the player probably had no intention of disrespecting his opponent.
"I don't think he did it with the intention of disrespecting Japan, but like it or not, arriving just a few days before your game without knowing who you have to worry about doesn't go over very well," he said.
Edward Pepe argued that, in the face of a knockout match in the World Cup, the minimum expected of a player who should be a starter is to study the opponent. "I think the least you have to do as a starting player is to study your opponent. In a match against a team like Japan, the best thing to do is to be serious and respectful," he said, adding that the more the Brazilian team knows about Japan, the better for Brazil.
-
Change imageChange image
1 of 13
Vini Jr. celebrates Brazil's goal against Scotland - Image Photo Agency/Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Change imageChange image
2 of 13
Matheus Cunha celebrates Brazil's third goal against Scotland - Michael Reaves/Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
3 of 13
Bruno Guimarães stood out with two assists in Brazil x Scotland - CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
4 of 13
Neymar in his first game at the 2026 World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
5 of 13
Vini Jr. and Lucas Paquetá celebrate Brazil's second goal against Scotland - Carmen Mandato - FIFA
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
6 of 13
Vini Jr. celebrates Brazil's goal against Scotland - Hannah Peters - FIFA
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
7 of 13
Vini Jr. scores Brazil's first goal against Scotland - CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Change imageChange image
8 of 13
Vini Jr. scores Brazil's first goal against Scotland - CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
9 of 13
Vini Jr. scores Brazil's first goal against Scotland - CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
10 of 13
Vini Jr. scores Brazil's first goal against Scotland - Michael Reaves/Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Change imageChange image
11 of 13
Vini Jr. scores Brazil's first goal against Scotland - Marc Atkins/Getty Images/Via Fifa
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
12 of 13
Rayan steals the ball from McKenna to assist Vini Jr's goal in Scotland x Brazil - IMAGO/Shutterstock/Via Fifa
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
13 of 13
Moment of Vini Jr's goal. against Scotland, in the third round of the World Cup - Disclosure/FIFA
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
default view
full view
grid view
Lack of media training and dangers from the opponent
Henrique Marsalla recalled that the situation highlights a lack of preparation to deal with the press. "There was a little lack of media training for our boy Rayan", he said, highlighting that Japan has players in good form in the competition, such as Mitoma, Minamino, Endo, Nakamura and Ito.
"You can't afford to give that kind of response, especially with so little to go before you take the field", he added.
The debate also addressed Brazil's lineup for the game. Rayan took over the starting line-up after Rafinha's injury and was highly regarded in the match against Scotland, in which he scored and created opportunities.
Cris Schwambach pointed out that the coach tends to adopt a conservative stance in knockout games, maintaining the formation he had already been using. "I think he will follow this more conservative line, with the team he already has", he said, predicting that Rayan should be kept among the starters.
Brazil's key to the competition was seen as quite difficult, with possible tough clashes ahead if the team advances.
Analysis: Japan has less tradition, but can provide work for Brazil
The texts generated by artificial intelligence on CNN Brasil are made based on video cuts from the newspapers in its programming. All information is investigated and checked by journalists. The final text is also reviewed by the CNN journalism team. Click here to find out more.
Source: CNN